best cots for newborns (System 5 official)

A crib is an elevated bed for your child that prevents them from falling out. They come in a range of styles, from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cribs that attach to the side of your bed to allow safe co-sleeping) to travel cots.

Mum tester Jasmin liked this cot's handy storage compartment that can be used to store blankets and sheets. It is also easy to set up and has an incline that helps with reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a parent's best friend, ensuring that the baby snug and (hopefully) asleep peacefully. When looking for a cot, there are plenty of things to take into consideration. From safety and spec to design and style. And a good cot needs to last through newborn stages and toddlerhood, so longevity is essential. This cot is sleek, sturdy and complies with the most recent regulations. It's also affordable cots, and includes a mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden, 13 months

This cot is a great illustration of how Mamas&Papas can create chic and practical nursery furniture. It's a contemporary choice for the baby's first bedroom with a modern grey finish that'll match any colour scheme. It can also be transformed into a cool day bed or toddler bed for longer-term use. It comes with two heights of the base, making it easier to reach baby and more secure than a traditional drop-side cot. And it's built with a shaped base which means it can be used in many standard doors, which is which is a huge benefit for stressed parents. There's even a matching dresser/changer that will keep all your baby's necessities close by.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

The cot will expand with your baby from birth to about four years of age. It has two mattress heights, so you can begin with a high-height base and move down as your little one grows and begins to sit up on their own without assistance. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby awards 2024 for the best cot, crib or Moses basket, and is a top choice for parents.

This cot is more streamlined than other models that we've tested. It's also great for smaller rooms. It has a convenient side door that lets you get in easily to feed, change nappies or change nappies. Our tester took only 12 minutes to set up the cot.

Make sure that the cot bed you choose meet safety regulations. All cots should have bars that are not more than 6.5cm apart to ensure your baby's limbs don't get caught. Check that the slats of your cot are securely fastened to prevent any loose or rusty fittings.

A high-quality mattress for a cot is also essential for the comfort of your baby. Choose pockets springs or latex coated coir mattresses, as these provide the most recommended cribs support and don't shrink like foams. It is worth investing in a waterproof cover too because any dirt will be absorbed directly into the mattress and could make your baby sweaty or uncomfortable.

Some cots come with extra features, such as adjustable inclines that help ease reflux, and storage space for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These are a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit securely and are suitable for your baby cots online.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is perfect for families who would like to use it from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. Its compact design can fit through doors with standard frames, and weighs just 6 kg. This makes it simple to move about your home. It's also a breeze to climb up and down it, which is ideal for changing nappy.

It's light and portable, meaning it is easy to move between rooms or even on holiday. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the early stages. It comes with a padded mattress and a reflux wedge cover, both of which are useful features.

It also converts to a toddler bed when you purchase the included Toddler Kit (PS70), which is a great benefit for parents because it means it will last until your child is ready to step away from the cot. This is a gorgeous cot bed that has a Scandi style. It will look fantastic in your nursery.

Another option is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to 3 years and costs just PS372. Our testers really liked the stylish design of the panel. It's simple to assemble and comes with a teething rail, storage drawer and adjustable height settings. Its compact dimensions make it a great option for people with sloped ceilings or smaller space. Its solid construction will also ensure it stands the test of time and won't be at risk of falling apart like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This crib for bed is ideal for parents who want to snuggle their baby up close to them before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate room for the first six months, however many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity prior to putting them to sleep.

The cot comes in a range of colors and non-toxic paints which means it can be customized to your nursery or bedroom decor. It's a good option for parents with sloped ceilings and don't want to occupy too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted to eleven different heights and can be tilted into four positions, including an incline that helps with reflux.

It's also a sturdy design that will last into the toddler years. One test-taker told us that her baby slept in this crib for two months and that it was in good enough condition to be passed on to her next.

Another advantage is that this cot is small and compact, making it easy to put together and move around as required. It is a good choice for parents with a little space. It can also function as a portable cot. Testers found it easy to put together and loved the storage drawer for storing everything your child needs. It's not cheap cots, but it's worth the purchase due to its design and functionality. You'll need to buy a mattress for this cot. We recommend opting for a firm, breathable mattress that fits snugly to prevent your child from being drowned. It should be a couple of inches smaller than the frame of the cot in order to avoid your child being capable of climbing out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is one of our most stylish, but it isn't just about looks. With two mattress heights this cot will carry your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into a toddler bed by adding an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and stylish, and our test-run showed that it would look great in any nursery, especially when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

Regardless of what type of cot you choose, always make sure it meets the appropriate requirements for your baby's age group and your home. The spacing between bars should not exceed 6.5cm (2 inches), which will prevent babies' heads from getting stuck, and the surface should be smooth to avoid the risk of suffocation. You'll also need to buy a suitable cot mattress, that is ideally sized with no gaps around the edges and be made from breathable materials that ensure that your baby's temperature is kept in check.

While it's tempting to purchase a cot with additional features such as built-in storage drawers and sides that can be removed for the bassinet (as with the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot), these should be carefully considered in light of your budget and your lifestyle. The best cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably and often find all-in-one cot beds with plenty of storage space, without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a high-tech option for your baby, the SNOO Smart Sleeper cot has a built-in sensor that responds to your baby's crying and gently rocks their body to sleep in a manner that replicates their mother's womb. The price is a little high, but it might be worth it for fussy sleepers.